Pakistan Election Long Seen as Face-Off Between Party Leaders

In response to Politico's recent accusation that Hillary Clinton erred on Pakistan in recent appearances on CNN and ABC, a quick scan of the news coverage in Pakistan before and after Benizir Bhutto’s death, makes clear the upcoming election was widely considered a face-off between Musharraf and Bhutto.

For example, Reuters/Canada reported yesterday:

“Western nations appealed for calm and sporadic violence erupted in the southern city of Hyderabad. Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party said it would take part in the elections despite the loss of its leader.

"A spokeswoman said any postponement would help the PPP's opponents. The other main opposition party said it would also take part despite earlier threats of a boycott.

"A former ruling party official said the election was likely to be delayed for up to two months but Musharraf opponents said postponement would deliver a political advantage to his supporters.”